Kloof Street House
30 Kloof Street, Cape Town. 021 423 4413. In their own words "an eclectic colonial inspired restaurant and bar set in a magnificent Victorian house". That about sums it up. You come here for the atmosphere. The rooms are adorned with impressive paintings, relics and curios giving off a more Bohemian than the colonial vibe. You will also the food with a varied menu utilising fresh local ingredients. Also most enjoyable for a cocktail on the lawn.
Azure Restaurant
The Twelve Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021-4379029. In this beautiful hotel situated in splendid isolation between Camps Bay and Llandudno, you will find a restaurant which is both relaxed and opulent and an environment in which you feel immediately comfortable. With sweeping views of the Atlantic, you will eat a broad variety of dishes. Sunday brunch is a treat. This restaurant pulls off the rare trick in which you could have an intimate tete a tete evening but which is also very welcoming for families.
The Foodbarn
Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek. 021-7891390. In a relaxed semi rural environment and unpretentious surroundings, you will probably enjoy some of the best French cuisines in the country. The French chef and owner Franck Dangereux has created dishes of natural taste, smells and textures, and much character. My personal favourite.
Sevruga Restaurant
Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.021-4215134. An excellent V&A Waterfront restaurant, specialising in sushi and seafood. The interiors are lush, but you want to sit outside on the terrace and observe the world with a cocktail in your hand.
The Round House Restaurant
Round House Road (off Kloof Road), The Glen, Camps Bay. 021-4384347. Another historical Cape building with sweeping views of Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles Mountains and the ocean. The main restaurant is fine dining bending European cuisine with African ingredients. The wine list and pairing menus are excellent. During the summer season, the lawns are opened up for a more comfortable dining experience with comfort foods under the banner of the 'The Rumbillion Lawns'.
Buitenverwachting Restaurant
Klein Constantia Road, Constantia. 021- 7943522. Further down the Constantia Valley, you will enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in the country. In this old established vineyard, the Austrian chef combines the best local ingredients (the game dishes are mouth watering) with the best European traditions. Enjoy your meal with the excellent wines of the estate and take your time. This quality cannot be rushed.
Bistro 1682
Steenberg Vineyards, Tokai. 021-7132211. One of the oldest vineyards in South Africa hosts one of the most contemporary buildings and raises the standard of casual dining restaurants. Whether it is the tapas menu or the raw bar with dishes of sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche, carpaccios and oysters; you will be impressed by the quality and originality of the food. This place is a must visit even if it's only for a cocktail.
